It ticks me off when mental health experts use the bubble bath as an example of a reward or special treat. What’s more, this message is often directed exclusively to women.
My bubble bath is an essential part of a full day. It’s not a luxury or a reward. I do not need to earn it. My wife takes brief, spartan showers and attempts to shame me out of my chosen path to cleanliness. I will not be intimidated by my wife or self-help authors. I’m proud to be a man who likes to soak.
Over the years, I have embraced a number of habits that diverge from perceived masculine behavior. Way back as a kid on our football team, I liked to wear the uniform but hated to get hit. Safely running out of bounds was my major goal.
I like romantic comedies, sometimes referred to as chick flicks. I laughed out loud when Harry met Sally.
I love writing poetry. It’s not very good, even by my own standards. I just enjoy putting my crazy thoughts into a lyrical form.
One great thing about aging is freedom to be who you wish with little concern for how others respond to your behavior. For most of us, it took many years to learn that others aren’t paying as much attention as we thought they were.
I’m enjoying this aging stuff. One bubble bath at a time.